Idaho Department of Environmental Quality : January 24, 2017 With possible inversion conditions and degraded air quality later this week, DEQ urges residents to limit smoke emissions

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

COEUR D'ALENE - A high pressure system is expected to build over the area later this week, bringing the possibility of inversion conditions and degraded air quality.

During an inversion, colder, heavier air settles in while warm air sits above the inversion. This causes air stagnation as the cold air and accumulating air pollution is trapped. The pollution builds up under the inversion until a strong weather system moves through and mixes the air.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) advises woodstove users to follow these simple guidelines to save money and reduce smoke in your community:

• Burn the right materials. Only burn clean and dry wood, pellets, or manufactured logs. Do not burn trash, plastics, used motor oil, or other prohibited materials in your woodstove.
• Make sure wood is dry. Dry wood creates hotter fires and less smoke.
• Allow enough air to ensure proper combustion. Avoid overloading your stove and avoid 'banking' your stove at night as this will cause excessive smoke and waste your wood.
• Watch your smoke signals! If you're making a lot of smoke, chances are you're burning inefficiently.
• Get the most heat out of your wood. Once established, a properly burning fire should give off only a thin wisp of white steam. If you see dark smoke, adjust your dampers or air inlets to let in more air.

'Remember, everyone plays an important part in keeping the air clean,' said Ralph Paul, DEQ's Coeur d'Alene Region Airshed Coordinator.

'You can help people living in your home and your neighbors by paying attention to the local air quality advisories and committing to following a few simple clean burning guidelines. It's everyone's air-keep it clean,' Paul said.

To learn more about woodstoves and air quality: